Where to buy property in Spain

Asked to imagine Spain, most of us will conjure images of sun-drenched sandy beaches and bustling resorts that give way inland to rugged mountains scattered with charming, traditional villages. This is the Spain thousands of foreign buyers seek every year. And you'll find it all in the Costa del Sol. 'The sunshine coast' is one of the country's most enduring property hotspots, and with a little help from experienced Spanish estate agents, you could have your own treasured piece of it.

The Costa del Sol, which stretches 300km along the Mediterranean coast, from Malaga in the east to Sotogrande in the west, remains hugely popular with holidaymakers and emigrants alike. And its extremely reliable climate is one of the main appeals. True to its name, the region enjoys year-round sunshine, cooled by gentle ocean breezes, and only the rarest spot of rain. But it's the area's physical diversity that makes it truly special. From imposing mountains to orchard-filled valleys to idyllic white sandy beaches, this is Spain at its glorious best.

Buy a home in Costa del Sol and you'll find all the amenities you need and desire too. There's something for all tastes and budgets, from exclusive yacht harbours and golf courses to excellent shopping facilities, along with the kind of lively, sociable nightlife the Spanish are famous for. You don't have to go far to discover traditional Spain either; throughout the region are tranquil towns and villages that have hardly changed for centuries.

Whether you're looking for a luxury apartment in a smart new development or a cosy family villa in the countryside, the choice of Costa del Sol real estate is pretty extensive - as is the range of locations and lifestyles on offer. Towns and resorts in the Málaga province range from ancient Moorish capitals to buzzing holiday hotspots. Here are just a few popular and lesser-known locations for Costa del Sol property buyers to consider.

Just 22km from Malaga airport, on the north side of Mijas Sierra, you'll find this friendly, unspoilt mountain town. Steep streets are lined with traditional Spanish homes, while the lower part of the town is more modern. Highlights include pretty squares, excellent value shoe shops and the impressive blue and white church of San Sebastian, framed by stunning views of the peaks and Guadalhorce Valley.

Once capital of the Moorish empire Al-Andalus, Cordoba is one of the most atmospheric towns in Andalusia. The old quarter still thrives, with its ancient palaces, mansions and tranquil squares, while the undoubted highlight is the magnificent Mezquita mosque, at one time the largest in Islam.

Another Moorish masterpiece and home to the famous Alhambra Palace, Granada is a truly romantic city. The North African cuisine is outstanding here, with many excellent restaurants and Moroccan tea rooms, while nearby you'll find the Sierra Nevada ski resort and the coast just 130km away.

Now unrivaled as the glamour capital of the Spanish coast, Marbella was once a humble fishing village. Celebrities come from all over the world to holiday here and enjoy the miles of clean, golden beaches and fantastic bars and clubs. The old town is charming, with its traditional Andalusian narrow streets and pretty promenade, all overlooked by the stunning La Concha mountain.

Famed for both its international arts festival and impressive caves, Nerja is a picturesque, traditional Andalusian town at the foot of the Axarquía mountains. Its highlights include a lovely old town centre and numerous sandy coves that offer excellent, secluded bathing. The picture postcard village of Frigiliana is close by too.

Andalusia's capital is alive with culture and nightlife and boasts some of the most impressive monuments in Spain. A maze of alleys, cobbled streets and pretty squares are the legacy of this great city's Moorish past. It's the place to witness passionate flamenco dancing, as well as the spectacular festival of Semana Santa.

It's no surprise that Torremolinos remains one of Spain's top holiday destinations. The resort offers some of the best nightlife and entertainment on the coast, as well as palm-lined boulevards, attractive pedestrianised areas and an elegant sea-front promenade. While La Carihuela district still retains much of its fishing village character.